Watch Until 20

Until 20 is a heart-wrenching documentary that focuses on the life of James Arthur Ragan. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 13, James faces a long and arduous battle with cancer. The movie follows his journey from diagnosis to treatment and the eventual tragic end that befell him at the tender age of 20. The movie is directed by Geraldine Moriba, a seasoned journalist with a knack for telling compelling stories - and she does not disappoint with Until 20. She portrays James' story in a raw, unfiltered, and honest manner that allows the audience to appreciate the turmoil that he experienced throughout his life.

Jim Nantz narrates the story with a well-crafted script that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The voice-over is excellently interwoven with interviews from James' closest family and friends, giving the audience an insight into the man he was as well as his zest for life.

At the beginning of the movie, we witness James' love for skateboarding, something he was passionate about and excelled in. But his world is turned upside down when he receives the diagnosis that changes his life forever.

Victoria Alvarez-Arango, his doctor, is introduced in the story a few minutes in, shedding light on the complexity of the disease and how they plan to treat it. The film is excellent at explaining the medical terminology used, making the audience feel like we are part of the treatment process, and we are rooting for James to beat the odds.

As the story progresses, we meet James' parents, Mike and Leslie Ragan, portrayed as loving and supportive, who never gave up on their son, even when it seemed like there was no hope. The pain of seeing their child go through chemotherapy and numerous operations is palpable, and it's clear they would have done anything to make it better.

The Nicklaus family, who James met through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, make an appearance in the film. Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, become close to James, and we witness their generous acts of kindness towards him. Barbara's maternal instincts kick in as she becomes a surrogate mother to James, making sure he doesn't miss the milestones of his teenage years.

The documentary is not only about James' treatment and the support he receives, but it also highlights the ethical and moral dilemmas that come with being diagnosed with a terminal illness. The subject of assisted suicide and the importance of preserving a patient's dignity is tackled sensitively, delivering thought-provoking insights that will leave the audience deep in thought.

The message of Until 20 is clear: life is precious and fleeting, and we should cherish every moment we have. The documentary showcases how one person can have a profound impact on other people's lives, and the importance of having a close-knit support system.

The movie is impeccably edited, with stunning visuals that add to the emotions that the story evokes. It features an impressive selection of soundtracks from renowned artists such as Coldplay, Bon Iver, and the Lumineers, which complement the narrative, producing strong emotional effects in the audience.

Until 20 is a gripping film that documents the tragic yet inspiring story of a young man who refused to let cancer define his life. It's an exceptional film that portrays a myriad of emotions relating to life, death, love, and hope. It's a testament to James' incredible strength, resilience and a legacy that will always be remembered. An emotional roller coaster from start to finish, this movie is worth a watch.

Until 20 is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.0.